Wellington-based Awaroa property owner Stephen Franks said it was great news for New Zealand, and people who contributed would be feeling a special sense of ownership.

"It's going to mean, of course, a whole lot of people feel a special sense of ownership or interest there and that area is going to be known for what it has always been - it's one of the most beautiful places in the world but it's going to really mean that people feel a special link to it."

A trust had been established and would reveal the details of how it was to be run, he said.

Canterbury student Sephrah Rayner, the granddaughter of the family who once owned the land, was lost for words when she heard it now belonged to the public.

Ms Rayner's grandparents sold the Awaroa property to Mr Spackman.

Sephrah Rayner, the granddaughter of the former owners of Awaroa property, is thrilled the land will be returned to the people of New Zealand. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

She said making the land available for the nation was the best thing that could happen to it, and she could not wait to go back.

One of the last pledges to the crowdfunding campaign, of $20, came from Room 10 at Pahiatua School.

Teacher Kirsten McCabe told Nine to Noon her class thought the land should be for everyone to use, not just one person, and they were very excited that the tender has been won.